Best Walking Shoes for Europe

Finding the best walking shoes for Europe is such a challenge. With uneven cobblestone lanes and long days of 20,000+ steps, a trip to Europe puts extra strain on our feet. After too many days of pinched toes, I finally learned my lesson that shoes for Europe are not just any shoes — these need to be the most comfortable walking shoes for travel that one can possibly find. 

Best walking shoes for Europe
The best walking shoes for travel should be comfortable and plain in color

Best Walking Shoes for Europe

The good news about walking shoes for Europe is that Europeans wear comfortable shoes, too! Because many of them do so much walking in their daily lives, they often sport comfortable walking shoes that also look good. So wearing minimalist travel shoes actually allows us to blend right in! 

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In my opinion, New Balance sneakers are the best walking shoes for Europe because they’re the most comfortable walking shoes for travel, yet they are stylish, too. They are good shoes for walking all day, which we know is important because when you’re in Europe, you’re going to get some steps in!

New Balance Classics 327

most comfortable walking shoes
New Balance 327 come in various colorways

I love these stylish walking shoes for Europe. They’re sleek and super comfortable, the perfect shoe for travel!

New Balance tends to make really comfortable, well-made walking shoes that have two important characteristics that a lot of athletic shoes simply don’t have. They don’t pinch or rub your feet AND they have good arch support. This combination means you can wear them all day long and not have any issues. Hooray!

And they have a slim design with narrower soles that makes them not look clunky. I get compliments on them all the time.

One tip: if you’re concerned about your shoes getting dirty, try a dark color like these black New Balances. I have these and wore them throughout my 3 week trip to Spain and Portugal!

best walking shoes for Europe
The best walking shoes should look clean

Available in several colorways, only $99 with free shipping and free, easy returns at Zappos.

Shop for New Balance Classic 327.

 

New Balance 574

best walking shoes for Europe
New Balance 574: super comfortable walking shoes in neutral colors

A more retro style with the same comfort and support you expect from New Balance, the 574 is a super comfortable walking shoe available in tons of colorways. These are made with soft materials and a roomy toe box so they accommodate even wide feet with no pinching. Great arch support and overall comfort. 

I prefer to order from Zappos because of their free, fast shipping and easy free returns, but you can also try the New Balance store for many more choices.

Shop for the New Balance 574.

Good Shoes for Walking All Day

Before I found New Balance, Allbirds were my pick for the best walking shoes for Europe. Allbirds is another brand that makes good shoes for walking all day, especially if you’re concerned about blisters or pinching. Theirs are comfortable shoes made from soft, natural materials in streamlined styles. They are some of my very favorite walking shoes and my picks for cute travel shoes

comfortable walking shoes for Europe
Allbirds in gray, perfect for hours of walking in Venice

Allbirds Tree Dashers

comfortable walking shoes for travel
Allbirds Tree Dashers: walking shoes that don’t pinch

Allbirds Tree Dashers are another smart choice for comfortable walking shoes. I have them in orange and love the narrower sole (like the New Balance 327) which gives them a more modern, streamlined look. I love these — definitely some of the best walking shoes for Europe!

Shop for the Allbirds Tree Dashers

 

Minimalist Travel Shoes

If you want more choices besides New Balance and Allbirds sneakers, here are more stylish walking shoes for Europe:

Allbirds Cruiser Slipons

minimalist travel shoes
Comfortable walking shoes that slip on

A comfortable, breathable slip on shoe with arch support, this shoe would look nice with any outfit yet still makes a great walking shoe for Europe: the Allbirds Cruisers, my pick for stylish walking shoes for Europe.

Shop for the Allbirds Cruisers.

Reebok Classic AZ Shoes

best walking shoes for Europe
Cute walking shoes for Europe: the Reebox Classic AZ

These Reebok Classic AZ sneakers have a classic-looking design with no pinching thanks to the soft material plus retro details, the Reebok Classic AZ shoes are cute and comfortable shoes for walking all day.

Shop for the Reebok Classic AZs.

 

Stylish sneakers for travel: Quince Low Profile Sneakers

stylish sneakers for europe

Made with Italian leather and suede, these sneakers are stylish, minimalist sneakers that would make great walking shoes for Europe.

Available in several colorways including blue, brick, cream, and brown. I’ve had some shoes from Quince and have been happy with the quality.

Shop for the Quince Low Profile Sneakers

Comfortable Boots for Walking in Europe

Blundstones 585

comfortable boots for Europe
Blundstones in black

Blundstones are high-quality low boots for walking or hiking. For me, they were the perfect companion for our 3-week trip to Scotland. They were also great for my kids and are stylish walking shoes for men! I love my Blundstones 585 in rustic brown.

Blundstones are well-made leather boots that go with many different outfits. I love to wear them with jeans or leggings. If you’re looking for boots for rainy weather, add these to your list of best walking shoes for Europe. They may seem a bit pricey, but they last forever. Learn more in my Blundstones review

Shop for Blundstones.

What are your picks for the best walking shoes for Europe?

best walking shoes for Europe

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